n 1  :  a Eurasian herb (Rubia tinctorum of the family Rubiaceae, the madder family) with whorled leaves and small yellowish panicled flowers succeeded by berries : broadly  :  any of several related herbs (genus Rubia)  2  :  the root of the Eurasian madder used formerly in dyeing : also  :  an alizarin dye prepared from it .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  mater  mat·ter  mat·tery   mature 
 
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